Kiva Beach

Some years there's sand, some years there's not at this dog-friendly strip of lakefront at the mouth of Taylor Creek on Tahoe's southwest shore.

Your best bet is to follow the path from the parking lot and see what you see. Parking is free, but the lot fills up fast in summer.

Lake Tahoe doesn't have many dog-friendly waterfront areas, so please do your part by cleaning up after your dog and making sure he does not disturb dog-less visitors.

Note: Leash laws are strictly enforced here, and regardless of what you'll see, the rules call for dogs to be leashed at all times. The Forest Service recently installed new signage to clarify where dogs are allowed (east of Tallac Point) and where they're not (wetlands around the mouth of the creek).

Help us keep this beach beautiful and dog-friendly:
• Always follow the posted rules
• Respect natural marine life and habitats
• Be aware of tides and currents
• Pack in and pack out, leaving only paw prints

When Northern Californians mention “The Lake,” you know they’re talking Tahoe. September is “tweener” season at Big Blue, a time when locals breathe deep, tourism drops off and visitors in the know snag mega-deals on lodging. It’s also a great time to swim and hike with your dog—not just at Lake Tahoe itself, but at nearby splash spots, as well. Where to dip toes and paws? Our Tahoe-area “A” List follows. more »

Highway 89 along Tahoe’s West Shore is a treat for the senses on many levels. It takes about an hour in non-traffic conditions to drive straight through, but why would you want to do that? Your first worthwhile diversion, especially if you’re a Tahoe first-timer, is Tallac Historic Site, a collection of late 19th-century estate homes and out-buildings. more »

Looking to spend some quality beach time with your four-legged pal at Lake Tahoe's South Shore? We've scouted out the spots where Sparky is welcome to romp in the sand and dip his paws in the Big Blue. more »

Whether there’s lots of snow or not a flake at lake level, your pup will appreciate a winter break at Northern California’s favorite playground as much as you will. The wild card is weather, so be prepared to embrace whatever conditions Mother Nature throws your way. Here are some of our favorite ways to play with our pups at Lake Tahoe. more »

Most hikes around Lake Tahoe—and there are hundreds—can be enjoyed with your best friend. But if your goal is to bask in fall color, better get a move on. The aspens and other color-makers at higher elevations have already peaked, but you’ll still find some golden glow around the lakeshore. Go to CalifornaFallColor.com for leaf-peeper updates—and, as always, check weather reports before rounding up your pup and heading into the high country. Be prepared for snow, because at this time of year, you never know! more »

Who says you can’t take your dog swimming at Lake Tahoe? True, there are only a few places in South Shore where you can, but we’re not growling. Kiva Beach, at the mouth of Taylor Creek on the lake’s southwest shore, is the No. 1 destination for DogTrekkers. more »

Get a Lift
One of the most fun experiences to be had with your dog at Tahoe is lift-assisted hiking. Enclosed gondola cars on two lifts at Northstar and the aerial tram at Squaw Valley welcome leashed pets. Whichever you choose, you’ll find lots of trail options up top.

Float Your Boat
For more fun on the water, join the animated crowds of summer vacationers who rent rafts in Tahoe City for a two- to three-hour, 5-mile float down the scenic Truckee River to River Ranch Resort. Truckee River Raft Co. counts dogs as regular passengers and will get you all fixed up.

Photo credit: Janeen Heath

Paddle a Dog-friendly Canoe
Dogs won't fit in just any kayak, and expecting them to balance like acrobats on a slippery bow is unrealistic if not dangerous. Tahoe City Kayak solves the problem with a line of Jackson Rec Kayaks whose cockpits are big enough to hold not just you, but Fido, too.

Soak Up Nostalgia
One of the most enjoyable sights at Lake Tahoe, especially for first-timers, is Tallac Historic Site, a collection of late 19th century summer estate homes and outbuildings about seven miles west of South Lake Tahoe casinos. Leashed dogs are welcome, and it’s especially enjoyable to visit on living-history days.

Go For a Hike
Put paws to the path on hundreds of miles of trails in the Lake Tahoe area. For something new, try Van Sickle Bi-State Park near South Shore casinos. The main trail in the 575-acre park (part in California, part in Nevada) travels beneath the Heavenly Gondola lift line to a cluster of historic buildings before zigzagging up for magnificent views of the lake. North Shore bound? Check out the Tahoe City Lakeside Trail, a mile-long promenade through town connecting the 19-mile West Shore/Truckee River and North Shore Trails.

Share a Bite
It can be hard to find a place to share an outdoor meal at wintertime Lake Tahoe, but summer/fall is another matter. View our listings, pick a dog-friendly patio and chow down. One of our favorites is Meyer’s Downtown Café in South Lake Tahoe.

Treat Your Pup
After a day filled with outdoor recreation, pamper your four-legged friend with a spa treatment or toys and treats at one of Tahoe's dog specialty shops.

Get Festive
Two upcoming Squaw Valley USA festivals welcome well-behaved dogs on leash. The 26th Annual Foam Fest on Saturday, September 5, 2015 is one of the most anticipated beer and music festivals of the year! Proceeds from the event will support Disabled Sports to continue to provide sports rehabilitation and therapeutic recreation programs to anyone with any disability. Come support a tremendous cause while enjoying the open air festival with your pup!

Why not make it an entire weekend of festival fun? The 27th Annual Alpen Wine Fest on Sunday, September 6, 2015 includes wine tasting, live music, a silent auction and raffle. Entry into the event is a donation to Can Do MS, a foundation providing wellness and education for people with Multiple Sclerosis. Mark your calendar and be there!

The second-snowiest winter on record in the Sierra Nevada is making itself felt this summer, too. At Lake Tahoe, water levels are peaking now at more than five feet above the lake's natural rim—and three feet higher than during peak snow melt last year. The result: beaches have shrunk to a fraction of their normal size and in some cases disappeared altogether. But guess what? Fido doesn't care. The two of you can find plenty of dog-friendly shoreline to dip your paws in no matter what the lake level. Sturdy soles are a must, as most dog-friendly spots on the lakeshore are quite rocky. GLASS_CA_Water_Safety_30_Final_Color_Audio from Roger Coryell on Vimeo. more »